Park Creation Timeline

On January 25, 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the proclamation actually creating Badlands National Monument.

1978

On November 10, 1978, Congress passes the legislation necessary to redesignate the monument Badlands National Park.

Animals and Plants

The most often seen large mammals are mule deer and pronghorn. Bighorn sheep, bison, and coyotes are also present. Smaller mammals are numerous, with the amusing prairie dogs being the most well-known. The black-footed ferret, the most endangered land mammal in North America, has recently been re-introduced to the park.

Snakes are numerous in the park, including the prairie rattlesnake. Warning signs at trailheads are numerous for them, though we have never seen one.

215 species of birds have been identified in the park, including golden and bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and several species of hawks.

The park is dominated by grasslands. 56 species of grasses occur within the park. Hundreds of species of wildflowers are present as well. There are very few trees.